The currently observed decline is mainly attributed to falling market prices for agricultural products, rising costs for energy and fertilizers, and a decrease in investment willingness. In 2022, farmers also faced higher prices for animal feed raw materials, energy, and fertilizers, but at that time these costs could be passed on in prices.
The agricultural sector is now calling for a change in agricultural policy ahead of the federal elections. DBV chairman Joachim Rukwied said in Berlin: "The engine is really sputtering." Except for pig farming, nearly all businesses experienced losses.
According to Rukwied, the “only bright spot” was the pig and poultry farming sectors, which showed an increase for the second consecutive time – reaching an average business result of now 148,000 euros. Among other things, investments for renewing barns still need to be financed from this result.​ However, the willingness to invest in barn construction remains low due to regulatory uncertainty and a lack of financial support.​
The German Farmers' Association (DBV) emphasizes that structural changes in agriculture can no longer be ignored. Rukwied called for more stable political frameworks and stressed the need for better subsidies to stimulate investments in sustainable agriculture. He warned that without government support, the sector’s decline will continue.